West Holmes board elects leaders, approves budgets, grants, and policies
West Holmes Local Schools elected new board leaders and approved routine fiscal authorizations and grants. Residents should watch program funding and the next meeting at Killbuck Elementary.
The West Holmes Local Schools Board of Education completed its annual organizational meeting and budget hearing, followed by the regular January session, approving leadership, fiscal authorities, policy updates and program actions that set the district’s operational tone for 2026.
Tina Zickefoose was elected board president and Joel Yoder was chosen vice president. The board adopted its 2026 meeting schedule, generally holding sessions at 6 p.m. and rotating meetings among district buildings. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 17 at Killbuck Elementary.
Routine but consequential fiscal authorizations were granted to the treasurer, including authority to pay bills, invest inactive funds, request advances on tax collections and serve as fiscal agent for federal funds. Those delegations preserve day-to-day cash flow management and allow the district to move quickly on grant reimbursements and tax advances, decisions that affect payroll, vendor payments and short-term liquidity.
The board approved liability insurance coverage for the 2026–27 policy year and established a records commission in line with Ohio History Connection guidelines, steps intended to safeguard district assets and to formalize public records oversight and retention. The board also named staff to compliance roles covering Title IX, Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act and prevailing wage coordination, clarifying responsibility for federal and state statutory requirements.
District administrators received authorization to apply for and manage multiple federal and state funding streams, including Title I, Title VI, IDEA and the Drug-Free School Grant. Securing and administering these grants will shape classroom supports, special education budgets and prevention programming, while requiring continued local oversight to ensure funds are used as intended.
On curriculum and partnership matters the board approved the West Holmes High School Course Selection Guide for 2026–27 and a memorandum of understanding with Kent State University. Those moves signal continuity in course planning and an institutional partnership that may expand options for students and staff subject to future implementation details.
The board accepted correspondence and donations, notably an anonymous $25,000 gift designated for a high school pre-apprenticeship program, and approved retirements for two teachers effective in 2026. The anonymous contribution could accelerate career pathways for students, but community members should ask how the funds will be allocated and sustained over time.
The board’s actions are procedural but important: they maintain fiscal operations, set governance roles and seed program opportunities. The takeaway? Attend the Feb. 17 meeting at Killbuck Elementary, ask how grant dollars and the $25,000 gift will be used, and hold your board accountable for transparent reporting on program outcomes and long term funding.
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